Wildfire aviation - Province of British Columbia
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Wildfire aviation
Last updated on February 9, 2026
Helicopters
and
airtankers
are a vital part of wildfire response in British Columbia, but they can’t contain wildfires on their own. The main purpose of aircraft is to support the work of ground crews.
The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has a fleet of around 40 aircraft with access to many more if needed. Aircraft are deployed based on needs
of crews in the field. They
perform a variety of functions like:
Water and retardant delivery
Crew and personnel transportation
Gear delivery
Logistics support
Fire patrols
Infrared scanning
Using aircraft is important because they help crews on the ground:
Protect critical values
Slow wildfire spread
Support control lines
Reduce heat
Rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters)
How BC Wildfire Service responds to wildfires: Helicopters
Rotary-wing aircraft, usually called helicopters, are an essential tool for fighting wildfire.
The size and specifications of a helicopter determine the type of tasks it may be assigned. In general, larger helicopters can carry more weight but cost more to operate. The BCWS works closely with aircraft suppliers to use helicopters as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Helicopters may be used to:
Transport firefighting crews
Use buckets or belly tanks to drop water on a fire
Transport gear and equipment
Conduct infrared scanning
Watch videos about different helicopters used by the BCWS
medium-lift helicopters
and
light utility helicopters
.
The BCWS also maintains exclusive access to a specialized fleet of helicopters designed to work with Rapattack crews. These helicopters are equipped with rappel and hoist equipment.
Airtankers
How BC Wildfire Service responds to wildfires: Airtankers
The BCWS uses specialized fixed-wing aircraft called
airtankers
to support wildfire crews on the ground. There are two types of
airtankers
used in B.C.
Land-based airtankers
Meet the aviation fleet: Avro RJ85 Airtanker
These
airtankers
are equipped with tanks that are specially designed to contain and drop fire retardant. They can hit multiple targets in one flight. Examples of these aircraft include the
De Havilland Dash 8-Q400
,
Avro RJ-85
and Lockheed L-188 Electra.
Water-skimmers
Meet the aviation fleet: Water Skimmers
Water-skimmers get their name from their ability to land on water and fill their tanks while moving. They are smaller in comparison to land-based airtankers and deliver water to support active firefighting operations. An example of this aircraft is the
Air Tractor AT-802F Fire Boss.
Birddogs
Meet the aviation fleet: Birddogs
All
airtankers
work in groups that are led by a
birddog
plane. Air attack officers, highly trained and experienced firefighters, sit beside the pilot in the
birddog
and coordinate the other aircraft on the mission. These aircraft fly above the others in order for the air attack officer to observe them. An example aircraft is the Turbo Commander TC-690A.
Other fixed-wing aircraft
The BCWS also uses other fixed-wing aircraft to transport crews, conduct fire patrols and provide logistics support. Below are two examples used as jumpships for
parattack
crews.
Turbine DC-3
H
olds 13 smokejumpers and two command spotters, as well as all their gear.
Twin Otter DHC-6
Short takeoff and landing aircraft that can transport seven smokejumpers as well as one command spotter.
Frequently asked questions
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|
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How does the BC Wildfire Service decide how aircraft are used during the wildfire season?
BCWS staff work continually to ensure that the most appropriate aircraft resources are available to respond to wildfires. This includes having aircraft stationed strategically around the province. The type of aircraft assigned to wildfires is based on need and availability. The number of aircraft being used from day to day and from week to week can fluctuate significantly, depending on the current wildfire situation.
At full operational readiness, the BCWS operates a fleet of 19 airtankers and eight bird dog aircraft (in addition to its contracted helicopter fleet), with access to contract more if needed.
Can the BC Wildfire Service bring in additional firefighting aircraft if necessary?
BCWS can bring in additional contracted aircraft as needed. Depending on the level of wildfire activity in the province, the government may request assistance from other jurisdictions through the Mutual Aid Resources Sharing Agreement, which allows for the movement and sharing of firefighting resources (including aircraft) between B.C. and other provinces and territories.
What is the current status of the Martin Mars airtanker?
The Martin Mars has been retired. It was last used to fight a wildfire in B.C. in 2015.
The Martin Mars was an iconic aircraft and part of this province’s proud firefighting history. Mars aircraft were originally built during World War II and then retrofitted as water bombers in 1959.
Does the BC Wildfire Service use heavy air tankers?
Yes, the Province's long-term contracted fleet includes several heavy type airtankers including Electra L-188s and RJ-85 580s.
Learn more about fire suppressants
Aircraft are frequently used to drop fire retardant and foam on or near a wildfire.
Fire retardants, foam and water can help suppress a fire by cooling it down and smothering it.
Learn more about what these materials are made from and how they work.
Aviation contract opportunities
The BC Wildfire Service has provincial contracts for rotary wing aircraft. The remaining aviation resources are solicited in early spring through
BC Bid
.
Learn more
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